Ward Shelley created a beautiful History of Science Fiction graphic. It may be turned into a poster.
“History of Science Fiction” is a graphic chronology that maps the literary genre from its nascent roots in mythology and fantastic stories to the somewhat calcified post-Star Wars space opera epics of today. The movement of years is from left to right, tracing the figure of a tentacled beast, derived from H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds Martians.
Visit his site to see the image full-size (sample below).
I like the idea of nerd merit badges, but I probably wouldn’t like a sash across the front of my computer. Seems a little on the pricey side, could use a greater selection and a bulk option.
Wake up, geek culture. Time to die, a Wired article by Patton Oswald.
When everyone has easy access to their favorite diversions and every diversion comes with a rabbit holeâ€™s worth of extra features and deleted scenes and hidden hacks to tumble down and never emerge from, then weâ€™re all just adding to an ever-swelling, soon-to-erupt volcano of trivia, re-contextualized and forever rebooted. Weâ€™re on the brink of Etewaf: Everything That Ever Wasâ€”Available Forever.
There are a number of quotable paragraphs in the article, but I went with one that seems vaguely hypocritical for posting. You should read the whole thing. Nerd culture may be harmed by the overabundance of information related to minutiae. The internet creates an instant otaku.
Gaming the System is an article from Rands describing the relationship between geeks and their games.
Itâ€™s also why we love games â€” theyâ€™re just dolled up systems â€” and the more you understand this fascination with games, the better youâ€™ll be at managing us.
In a nutshell, geeks love to figure out how things work, improve anything they can and be the best at what they’re doing.
The Nerd Handbook, required reading for people in relationships with nerds.